96: Konpeitō Candy Manufacturing Apparatus | Patent Drawing

Overview of the Patent Drawing

The drawing illustrates an apparatus designed for the production of Konpeitō, a traditional Japanese sugar candy. The device consists of multiple components integrated into a brick structure (チ), including a large inclined rotating basin (ハ) for sugar coating, a secondary basin (リ), and a gear mechanism (ヘ) likely used for rotating the basin. The inclined and rotating design helps in coating sugar onto the candy cores, which is a key step in the konpeitō manufacturing process.

Patent Insight 1: Rotating Basin for Sugar Coating

The inclined basin (ハ) serves as the primary component for the sugar coating process. As the basin rotates, sugar syrup is gradually added, and the candy cores inside are tumbled, allowing the syrup to evenly coat the surfaces. The inclined design facilitates continuous and even movement of the candy, which is essential for forming the characteristic bumpy texture of konpeito. The rotating action ensures that the sugar is distributed uniformly over time, resulting in a smooth, controlled buildup of layers.

Patent Insight 2: Gear Mechanism for Controlled Rotation

The gear mechanism (ヘ) attached to the apparatus indicates that the rotation of the basin (ハ) is mechanically driven. This mechanism allows for precise control of the rotation speed, which is crucial in konpeito production to achieve the right texture and shape. The adjustable speed helps control the rate at which the sugar crystallizes, enabling the candy maker to fine-tune the process based on factors like syrup consistency and desired candy size.

Patent Insight 3: Multi-Stage Processing with Secondary Basin

The presence of a secondary basin (リ) suggests that the manufacturing process involves multiple stages. After the initial coating in the main basin, the candy may be transferred to the secondary basin for further treatments, such as additional coating, cooling, or flavoring. This multi-stage approach allows for greater flexibility and quality control, ensuring that each candy batch meets the desired standards for taste, texture, and appearance.

Keywords

Konpeitō manufacturing, candy coating, rotating basin, gear mechanism, multi-stage process, traditional Japanese sweets

Thoughts on the Patent Drawing

Seeing the patent drawing for the “Konpeito Candy Manufacturing Apparatus” really made me appreciate how much craftsmanship and patience goes into creating something that looks like a simple sugar candy. Konpeito’s charm is in its delicate, star‑like surface, but to get that effect requires a lot of time and precision—and this apparatus seems designed to honor that tradition while making the process more manageable.

I’m particularly fascinated by how the apparatus likely handles the constant rotation (or flow) needed to coat a core with syrup over many cycles. The art of maintaining consistent heat, ensuring even syrup application, and avoiding clumping—all while preserving those tiny nodules on the candy’s surface—feels almost meditative. It’s the kind of confection where mistakes show easily, so design features that stabilize motion or control syrup distribution are deeply valuable.

Imagining konpeito slowly forming in this machine, layer by sugar‑layer, gives me a sense of wonder. There’s something beautifully slow in that process—hours or days of layering and hardening, watching each candy develop its distinct bumps. For me, this apparatus isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about respecting the candy’s history, preserving its aesthetic, and making the labor behind those sweet little stars visible.

Application of the Technology: “Glowing Konpeitō Mobile Eco-Art Installation”

Purpose

Adapt the rotating sugar-coating basin mechanism to create a konpeitō-inspired mobile art piece. This work will function as an interior decoration, shimmering by day with natural light and glowing by night through embedded LEDs.

System Components

• Rotating Coating-Basin Mimic Module: A mechanical structure inspired by the konpeitō sugar-coating basin’s motion.
• Mini Konpeitō Objects: Real konpeitō candies or transparent replicas hung so they move, spin or sway.
• LED & Light-Transmitting Materials: Internal LED lights for nighttime glow; translucent materials for daytime sheen.
• Wind/Vibration Trigger: Motion sensors or manual triggers to start rotation; no external power needed if manually activated.
• Hanging Suspension System: Wire-based hanger to suspend near windows, ceilings, places with air flow.

Operational Flow

1. Setup the mobile, suspending the mini konpeitō objects in their places.
2. Light wind or touch causes the rotating module to start turning.
3. During the day, natural light causes objects to sparkle; at night, LEDs light them from within.
4. The mobile’s movement, light and shadow interplay to create a mesmerizing visual effect.
5. Viewers experience an “konpeitō festival in miniature” as a decorative art installation.

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This application transforms the beautiful motion and texture of konpeitō making into a luminous mobile art piece, bringing joy and calm through light, movement, and tradition.